Malicious Code Injection in outer_tern_0xrequest Package - npm Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-106832: Malicious code in outer_tern_0xrequest (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The outer_tern_0xrequest package is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript package management. This package has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that aims to exploit npm's publishing system. It is designed to automate the creation and publication of derivative packages, thereby inflating developer reputation scores for token rewards. The malicious nature of this package poses a significant risk to developers and the integrity of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the outer_tern_0xrequest package stems from its involvement in a token reward campaign that floods the npm registry with malicious packages. The package contains scripts that modify the package.json file to remove private flags, alter version numbers, and generate random package names. This behavior can lead to the pollution of the npm registry, making it difficult for developers to trust the packages they use. The malicious payload can also potentially expose users to security risks if they inadvertently install compromised packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall outer_tern_0xrequestIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a workaround, you can manually remove the outer_tern_0xrequest package from your project by running the following command: npm uninstall outer_tern_0xrequest. Additionally, consider using tools like Vulert to monitor your package-lock.json for vulnerabilities in real-time.
Conclusion
The outer_tern_0xrequest package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code designed to manipulate the npm registry. It is crucial for developers to remove this package and monitor their projects for vulnerabilities to maintain the integrity of their applications.
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FAQ
It is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to exploit the npm registry.
This vulnerability can lead to the installation of compromised packages, potentially exposing your project to security risks.
You should uninstall the outer_tern_0xrequest package immediately and monitor your project for any other vulnerabilities.
You can use Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time without requiring code access.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without signing up.
